לחם חן — Lechem Chein

Originally published on crownheights.info — Simchas Torah: We Dance With Torah, Not With Bottles By Berke Chein On Simchas Torah we hold the Torah closed. We don’t start by reading. We don’t start with words. We start by dancing. By carrying it close. By circling together with joy. That picture says something. If the Torah is closed, we shouldn’t need to start with all the bottles open. We certainly shouldn’t need them all empty before Hakafos begin. The simcha of Yom Tov doesn’t come from what is in the glass. It comes from the Torah in our arms. From the circles we make. From the joy we bring with our own voices and feet. Does that mean nobody should drink? No. Kiddush is Kiddush. A Lchaim has its place. Have one or two, celebrate. But keep it mindful. Keep it measured. Never force it on someone else. Some choose not to drink at all for whatever reason. Respect that. This Yom Tov, be careful for each other: • Do not pour for anyone underage. • Do not pressure a friend. • If you se...

Originally published on crownheights.info —- A call to stop excusing underage drinking in our schools and homes. By Berke Chein I’m not a rabbi or a mental health professional. I’m a father, a husband, a Lubavitcher who grew up in “the system” of farbrengens, yeshivas, and the rhythms of our life. I’ve drawn from its beauty, and I’ve also felt where it hurts. I don’t write with all the answers. I write because staying silent only means the next generation inherits the same problem. I know, because it was my life too for a very long time. Farbrengens are one of our greatest strengths. Around a table of niggunim, divrei Chassidus, and real words, generations have found inspiration and connection. A l’chaim, at its best, is meant to deepen joy, soften hearts, and open us to each other and to Hashem. But too often, without anyone meaning harm, something else creeps in. Cups are poured and refilled. Boys start to believe that drinking is part of belonging. The scene is familiar: a lively fa...

Originally published on crownheights.info A Letter to Camp Staff By Berke Chein, a former camper and current father who still remembers what mattered, and what hurt. We just read Perek 5 of Pirkei Avos this past Shabbos, the chapter of numbers: ten utterances, ten miracles, ten tests. But then it closes with something simple and lasting: "Whoever possesses these three traits is among the students of Avraham Avinu. And whoever possesses the opposite three is among the students of Bilaam HaRasha." (Avos 5:19) A good eye. A humble spirit. A restrained soul.  עין טובה. רוח נמוכה. נפש שפלה. These aren’t just traits. They’re ways of holding power. Because not everyone who runs a bunk or a classroom is automatically a leader. And not every moment of discipline is an act of chinuch. The Mishnah is talking about you . About anyone in a position of influence, whether you're running the program or just got your first staff badge. Because in camps across the world, day camp or overni...